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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 1999-MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR MARCH 10, 1999 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Frank Trafton, Jr. called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Dick Broders, Judy French -Scott, Karen Kautzman, Randy Kline, Rick Tollefson, Frank Trafton, Jr., Kate Spear, David Whipple Members Absent: Char Laughlin Staff Present: Tim Black, Frank Gifford, Phil Saxton, Warren Steurer, Jefferson County Public Works Guests: Commissioners Dan Harpole and Richard Wojt Minutes: Minutes of the February 10, 1999 meeting were reviewed/approved with one correction to Old Business under Larry Scott Trail: in the last sentence, Valerie Green should be changed to Valerie Williams. Quorum: There was a quorum. II. OLD BUSINESS A. H.J. Carroll Park: 1. Advisory Board: Warren Steurer reported this group will continue to meet on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 at the Tri-Area Community Center. Everyone is welcome to attend. At the last meeting, Valerie Green submitted the timehme and listed criterion and preliminary siting of the restroom facility. There was general agreement about the design but some consideration of expanding the size of the restroom. The group also discussed the playground project. Molly Hilt is a certified playground specialist/safety inspector and will be working on the project along with the Tri-Area Preschool Co-op and Domestic Violence. The next playground committee meeting will be March 22 at 9:30 at the PublicWorks' office. The goal is to install the equipment by early summer. 2. Aquatic Center: A subcommittee meeting was held a few weeks ago and Dick Broders represented the PAB. Information on the project is being collected. The next meeting will be held later this month or in early April and include a panel discussion with representatives from Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, and Sequim on their pool bond situations. 3. Field/Recreation: Tim Black reported soccer teams from Port Townsend and Jefferson Soccer Club have been using the field. An adult soccer tournament, local co-ed softball, and a Chimacum reunion have also investigated using the site. The turf is in good condition, but requires a lot of attention and fertilization. 4. Other. There was some discussion about other events that could be scheduled at the park. Rick Tollefson asked if anyone knew some of the parents of the BMX group that could be encouraged to organize to work on the BMX track. Rick asked about possibilities for purchasing removable backstops for little leagues: Dan Harpole said he provided information to Valerie Williams on a grant up to $2,000 for a one-time event or art piece. The deadlines are in April and October. B. Larry Scott Trail: Frank Gifford reported there are no new acquisitions at this time. A survey has been received and they are working on the Evans parcel on each side of Mill Road. There are discussions about the possibility of being eligible for $300,000400,000 in turnback money for trail development. Frank will be meeting with Judy French -Scott to talk about acquisition strategies. Valerie Green will be switching from full time to part time on April 15. The County will then hire an additional part-time position for which one half will be devoted to managing general design and construction of future trail development. Mium Rubin -Crump may be helping until a second person is hired. A draft of an interpretive sign for the mill has been received and Valerie Green is reviewing it. Several residents have complained about individuals parasailing off the bluff above the trail near the port. County issues are the stability of the bank being climbed and personal safety. The landscape architect for the trail will be designing signage to discourage the activity. Rick Tollefson suggested placing an article in the newspaper about the safety issues. Frank said the department is committed to having a nonmotorized trail study completed this year. The scope of the study is still to be determined, but expanded areas of interest might include water trails and access for air use. C. Gibbs Lake/Trails: No report. D. Best Self'/Yippee Program: Dan Harpole reported a meeting will be held next week. E. Parks Tour: The tour went well and attending PAB members visited all park sites. There was some discussion of the storm damage around the County. Warren indicated next year, the parks tour may be held later in the year. F. '99 Community Park Grants. Warren reviewed the grant application criteria. Newspaper ads are planned and applications will be available in the Public Works office. As applications are received, the PAB will be reviewing and hearing presentations. There were no objections to proceeding with the grant process. PAB suggestions were to make advertising a priority along with posting grant information at park kiosks and community centers, and investigating whether The Leader or Peninsula Daily News would print a story about the history of the grants and types of projects funded. Warren said he would leave April and May agendas open for review and discussion of the applications. G. Aquatic Park: Warren Steurer read the letter he prepared from the PAB in support of the concept of an aquatic park/reef enhancement project by Capt. Dennis McGuire. Dan Harpole reported Jeff Gallant of the PT Community Group of Divers may request time on the agenda of the Ft_ Worden State Park advisory committee regarding the project. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Road Vacations: None. R City Parks & Recreation: Dan Harpole reported a priority item for the City Parks and Recreation is working on a response to the County on the development of the 35th Street Park. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 10, 1999 Page 2 C. PAB Retreat: The retreat was scheduled for Saturday, May 8 from 9:00 until 1:00 pm at Gibbs Lake. There was a suggestion to discuss the Community Park Grants at the retreat. D. Cable Public Access Channel: Dan Harpole reminded the PAB that training and video production services are available to the PAB and County staff. The videos can then be played on the local cable access. The number to call if interested is 385-4880. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Recreation: Tim Black reported the 35 and Over league finished up last night; the Fast Break league has a few more games, and kids basketball just finished last week. Chimacum Schools have closed two gyms for construction and the main gym is open, but busy. The Rec Center is busy with 50-75 kids a day. Tim complimented the staff for their good work with the kids. The fields are in better condition and are drying out. Summer camps have been planned for basketball, baseball, soccer, and a mini multi -sport camp with softball, basketball and soccer. The swim bus will also be running. The Salvation Army camp for low-income kids will now have 50 kids participating which is the most participation in the entire state. Sue Lindsey is responsible for recruiting all ages. Warren complimented Tim on his efforts with recreational programs. B. Parks Maintenance. Warren introduced Phil Saxton, the newest Parks Maintenance staff member. Phil will help with maintenance at Memorial Field, H.J. Carroll, Irondale field and Larry Scott Trail. Molly will focus on campgrounds, boat launches and day -use areas. Molly will be on maternity leave in the summer and the addition of a seasonal employee is in process. The campground season opens on April 1 at Oak Bay, Chimacum, Quilcene and Lake Leland. They are looking for more camp hosts. At the next PAB meeting, Warren plans to discuss the creation of a year-round camping fee system at Lower Oak Bay. A cub scout troop recently cleaned up some brush at Lake Leland in exchange for camping. C. Tri.-Area ReG Center. Rick Tollefson talked about his long-term vision of a Rec Center in the Tri Area next to the new elementary school and library. He said the Chimacum School District has been receptive to the idea of sharing their facility. Rick would like the PAB to form a group to look at the possibilities. Following a brief discussion, Rick agreed to follow up with Mary Lynn Derrington of the Chimacum School District. V. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE Judy French -Scott asked to review the Off -Leash Park project at a future PAB meeting. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 1999. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 10,1999 Page 3